After spending more than a year in Iraq, a soldier received a warm welcome from family and friends Sunday when he returned to his home church. He graduated from Patrick County High School in 2003.
He has served in Afghanistan and Iraq
Source: Mt. Airy News
After spending more than a year in Iraq, a soldier received a warm welcome from family and friends Sunday when he returned to his home church.
Standing in front of a congregation of about 25 at Mount Herman Baptist Church, Sgt. Joshua Bohannon thanked his family and friends for their support while he served six years in the Army working with the military police.
“My family kept me going, I could always call on my mom and dad while I was in Afghanistan and Iraq,� he said. “A lot of people want to thank me (for my service), but I want to thank them. I can’t thank my family enough, I would do anything for them.�
The reunion was bittersweet for Bohannon’s parents, who saw their son for the first time on May 4 after he was stationed in Iraq for 13 months.
“It’s great to have him home,� Larry and Pat Bohannon said in unison.
“We supported him every day he was there, we’re proud of him, but we’re ready for him to be a civilian again,� said Bohannon’s father, who also served in the Army.
Bohannon’s mother agreed.
“We thank the Lord for keeping him safe,� she said.
Bohannon said while he’s proud of his service, he’s ready to move forward in the next phase of his life. He’s scheduled to leave the service in the next few months.
“I’m engaged and I’m going to college,� said Bohannon, who graduated from Patrick County High School in 2003.
Originally from Stuart, Va., he said he plans to return to the area after completing his service and possibly purse an engineer degree at Surry Community College or Guilford College.
